TEAM: Manchester City
GROUND: Etihad Stadium
FIRST VISIT: 26th March 2008
FIRST MATCH: Man City 3-1 Wolves – Premiership (29/10/11)
The City of Manchester Stadium is one of my favourite grounds in the country. My first visit to the ground was for a stadium tour in 2008 where we were taken behind the scenes, including the dressing rooms, director’s box and I even sat in the Queen’s seat. The tour is top quality and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
My first match at the now named Etihad Stadium was to watch City, who were now sat at the top of the Premiership, play Wolves. I had a great day, soaking up matchday atmosphere at City and watching a top flight match for only the second time in my life. The game ended 3-1 to City with goals from Dzeko, Kolarov and Johnson. A few months later and we were back at the Etihad to watch the biggest game in English football, City vs. United. It was a day I will never forget which included speaking to David Beckham and watching a wonderful football match which resulted in a 3-2 United victory.
The stadium hosted the 2002 Commonwealth Games and has also hosted the 2008 UEFA Cup Final and a few England Internationals as well as being the home of Manchester City since 2003. I really like the stadium and its variation to the rather standard ‘bowl’ stadiums which are becoming more common at the highest level. The Etihad Stadium one of my favourite grounds of anywhere I have visited.
Related Posts
Photos
2008 Ground Tour
Outside the ground
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This was brought to the stadium from City’s old ground Maine Road
In the area where players are interviewed
In the dressing rooms
“Pride in Battle”
by the dugouts
In the executive seats
vs. Wolves (for report and more photos click HERE)
Our first view of the Etihad Stadium
Welcome to the Etihad Stadium
Outside the stadium
The Main Entrance
The stadium plan
Watching the big screen
with City mascot Moonbeam!
The City superstore
Holding up a David Silva shirt in the shop
Inside the Etihad Stadium
Stood in the stand behind the goal
The East Stand
Colin Bell Stand
with City mascot ‘Moonchester’
The line up is announced on the big screen, including Edin Dzeko
The stadium fills up
The travelling Wolves fans
Sat in my seat at the Etihad Stadium
Joe Hart with City flags in the distance
The City players celebrate taking the lead
City fans celebrate by doing the Poznan!
Sergio Aguero charges towards goal
City 3 Wolves 1
City fans celebrate their sides victory
One final photo outside the ground
The crowds head home
vs Man Utd (for report and more photos click HERE)
Holding up my scarf ahead of the Manchester derby
Its Derby Day in Manchester
Merchandise on sale
The main entrance
David Beckham pulls up outside the Etihad Stadium
City legends and FA Cup Winners Tony Book and Mike Summerbee
City and England player Gareth Barry
The Manchester City players coach pulls up
Manager Roberto Mancini makes his way to the entrance
The crowds watch the big screen
Stood by the FA Cup which City won last year
Inside the Etihad Stadium
Inside the ground for the 3rd time, I have previosuly been for a ground tour and a Premiership game against Wolves
With the City side of the split scarf and the programme
The players shake hands before kick off
The home supporters hold up a flag
View of the pitch from our seats
Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini watch from the touchline
The United players celebrate taking the lead
City fans discuss the first half action
Aguero looks frutstrated as he attempts to complete City’s comeback
City fans hope for some late drama
The ball is cleared of Lindegaard saves the free kick
Good review – if you want to see a great atmosphere – apply for tickets as http://www.mcfc.co.uk for a Europa Cup match they don’t normally sell out and night matches have a better atmosphere . tell your day there’s good Car Parking near Ashbury Railway station…